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VOLUNTEER ABROAD OVER 25

Venturer Manager

Be a Venturer Manager on a Raleigh programme, supporting young people and local communities on sustainable development projects.

FIND OUT ABOUT THE VENTURER MANAGER SPECIAL £200 OFFER

Special offer

All VM positions
£200
2024 cycle 2 only

What is a Venturer Manager?

Young volunteers from across the globe join a Raleigh Expedition to develop their skills and confidence, gain new experiences and work on impactful hands-on projects.

Our Venturer Managers (VM) are the driving force behind the Expedition and are vital to ensuring the programmes run smoothly and effectively. VMs work alongside permanent country staff and help keep the young volunteers safe whilst on Expedition.

Whether you’re out on the project sites or in the country office, you need to be flexible and adaptable to meet the demands of a fast-paced Expedition environment. Every Expedition is different, but the Venturer Manager team should be ready to get stuck in and put the needs of the Expedition first.

“My experience with Raleigh really change the direction of my life for the better and gave me the confidence to run my own business.”

Tony | Venturer Manager

“It’s given me a lot more confidence about what to do next, just because you’re retired doesn’t mean you haven’t got those skills and experience.”

Kathy | Venturer Manager

Who can be a Venturer Manager?

Our Venturer Manager roles are for people over the age of 25 who are looking to develop their leadership skills and inspire our volunteers. You’ll be passionate about creating a lasting impact on the local community and on the young volunteers you’ll be working with. Being enthusiastic about travel is an added bonus 

Throughout the Expedition you will be challenged to work in several different teams to achieve common goals; it is vital that you can work and communicate with a wide range of people, as you’ll be managing international volunteers and building relationships with the local communities 

Solution-focused leadership is required when faced with challenges and an engaging style to ensure volunteer participation. Expedition will be mentally and physically challenging, as you could be doing manual labour on our project sites and participating in the Adventure Leadership trek throughout the country’s remote areas.  

The rewards you’ll gain are far greater than the challenges and will positively impact every aspect of your life!

Available Venturer Manager Roles

If you are age 25-75, we welcome you to apply to join Raleigh Expedition as part of the Venturer Manager Team in one of five roles.

Project Coordinator

Your role will be to facilitate a group of young people aged 17-24 out on the project sites. You will be supporting the team to deliver Raleigh International’s project aims as well as monitoring and coaching the young people to help with their personal development.

Content Creator

Behind every project, every volunteer and every community member Raleigh supports, there is a story to be told. As the Content Creator, you will find these stories and work side-by-side with young people to generate exciting, engaging and high-quality content for Raleigh’s communications channels.

Photographer

Your primary role will be to identify and document powerful stories through photography and film. You will work alongside the volunteer content creator officer to gather visual content for our communications channels.

Wellbeing Coordinator

You will young people with their mental health and wellbeing throughout Expedition ensuring they feel safe and secure in an environment outside of their comfort zone as a Wellbeing Coordinator.

Logistics Coordinator

As the Logistics Officer, you will be essential to the smooth running of the programme. Your role is to ensure all food, equipment and materials are coordinated and supplied for volunteer teams at their project sites.

Expedition Medic

Use your skills as a doctor, nurse or paramedic while supporting young people on life-changing Expeditions. Develop your medical and leaderships skills whilst working in remote locations, supporting young people’s development and creating change where it is needed most.

Deputy Operations Manager

Lead a team of Venturer Managers to support young people on an Expedition of a lifetime, while supporting the operational running of the Raleigh programme

UK Expedition Project Coordinator

Lead and support a group of fourteen young people aged 14–15, guiding them through a transformative two-week journey in Devon, UK, which will take Venturers on an adventure leadership sail and an impactful environmental project.

Why choose Raleigh International?

Being a Venturer Manager on Raleigh Expedition is a unique opportunity to work alongside and support young people and partner with local communities to create lasting change.

Raleigh Expedition is your chance to practically build your skills that could boost your career and life whilst working on meaningful projects in a unique environment.

Our projects are developed in partnership with communities and local organisations to ensure we are creating change that lasts. And by making young people the focus, we are equipping the next generation with the skills and experience to achieve this in the long term.

With over 40 years of experience running expeditions, you will be part of a global community of over 55,000 alumni.

Benefits of being a Venturer Manager

  • Support and work alongside young people
  • Partner with local communities to create lasting change
  • Learn and develop new skills to boost your career
  • Be part of a global community
  • Take action on some of the worlds most important issues

When first hearing about Raleigh, I felt aligned to the organisation’s values and also energised by the young people who are going out in the world to make change happen. They are determined to improve the world, whereas my generation can sometimes be a bit complacent.

JaniceRaleigh Venturer Manager

Completing the Raleigh Expedition has improved my confidence leading teams. The Expedition makes you realise your own physical and mental strength and is also a great opportunity to meet a range of different people from different backgrounds and cultures.

NicoleRaleigh Volunteer Manager

Being around young people who are interested and motivated in making change is infectious, it rubs off on you... My personal highlight has been watching a group of people from very different backgrounds come together.

GregRaleigh Volunteer Manager

Projects you can join in Costa Rica

You can get involved in up to 3 phases: Community, Environmental and Trek. For further information of what a 10-week Expedition could look like, download a Guide.

01. Community

Improve access to education in indigenous communities and support young people to develop the tools to prosper in later life.
Raleigh Costa Rica works with indigenous territories who need support to improve the facilities of both primary and secondary schools.

For example, The Alto and Bajo Chirripó Indigenous Territory is one of the most remote areas in Costa Rica. There are low levels of school attendance, high levels of illiteracy, and high levels of poverty. One of the key barriers to culturally appropriate development is a lack of education due to poor facilities and difficult access. Volunteers will work on the construction of school buildings and raising awareness activities with the community on topics such as waste management and climate action.

02. Environmental

Costa Rica boasts an impressive 5% of global biodiversity and has committed to sustainable biodiversity management. Protected areas preserving ecosystems are the foundation of its conservation efforts.

Volunteers are essential in supporting park rangers and aiding in infrastructure maintenance and wildlife research within national parks and private reserves. You will also collaborate with local communities to expand environmental knowledge and conduct workshops on topics like waste management and reforestation. Additionally, volunteers organise community activities to raise awareness and promote action on these crucial environmental issues, which also benefit the local economy.

03. Adventure Leadership

Our Adventure Leadership projects take teams on challenging treks through rainforests and up volcanoes on a variety of stunning routes that tourists don’t get access to.
You could be trekking up to 260 km through the towns and landscapes of Costa Rica that will take you on a journey of personal growth that will continue for the rest of your life. No matter what trekking experience you have, everyone starts and finishes trek together – come rain or shine! Supporting one another, not giving up and sharing your achievements together will be some of the most memorable and defining moments of your Expedition.

What can I expect on my Raleigh Expedition?

Everyone’s Expedition is slightly different – depending on how long you stay when you go and where. This is an outline of what you can expect from a 10-week Expedition. For a more in-depth description of life on a Costa Rica Expedition, including camp life and project info, download your sample itinerary.

Arrive at San José airport

You will be met by the country team

Induction and training (3-4 days)

Get to know your fellow volunteers and prepare for Expedition life. You’ll receive essential training on topics such as health and safety and cultural awareness.

Community Project (19- 21 days)

Volunteers work together on community projects agreed with partners and community leaders. You will be staying in a school classroom which is set up as a bedroom. You will be using all the school facilities (bathrooms, showers, kitchen).

Debrief at base camp (2-3 days)

At the end of each phase, everyone returns to the training centre for a few days before moving on to your next project. You’ll catch up with the rest of the Expedition team and start to prepare for your next project. Project groups will change between each phase, this is an important part of the Expedition experience.

Adventure Leadership Project (19 – 21 days)

On this trek, every day is different, including the weather and the accommodation. Go from camping on top of a mountain and sleeping under the stars to camping in a community centre.

Environmental Project (19 – 21 days)

Volunteers will support the maintenance and conservation of existing ecosystems and assist local communities to preserve such a biodiverse nature.

Final review at base (2 days)

All Expeditions end with everyone coming together for a final few days back at the training centre. Catch up with friends and celebrate all you have achieved together.

Projects you can join in South Africa

You can get involved in up to 3 phases (Community, Environmental and Trek). For a full itinerary of what a 10-week Expedition could look like, download a Guide.

01. Community

This community-led project is focussed around finding sustainable solutions to issues such as poverty, low levels of education, food insecurity, and unemployment.
Each day you will walk into the adjacent community, working as a team on projects such as building sustainable food gardens. You will discover a warm welcome, gain an appreciation for the local culture and learn some of the Xitsonga language (one of the 11 official languages of South Africa)

02. Environmental

This phase will have direct impact on restoring a healthy habitat on land bordering the Kruger National Park.
You will be involved in alien plant removal, indigenous tree planting, combating soil erosion, snare sweeps, litter picks and road clearing. All of which will help accelerate the restoration of a wilderness. The work will be physical, dirty and fun, making a difference to the health of the habitat.

03. Adventure Leadership

Supported by our local experienced guide, medic and Raleigh leaders, your trek will allow you to explore a true wilderness, with no marked trails, facilities or shops along the way.
Everyone starts and finishes trek together, come rain or sun (or even snow!) and no matter what trekking experience you have beforehand. Supporting one another through these moments, not giving up and sharing your achievements together will be some of the most memorable and defining moments of your Expedition.

What can I expect on my Raleigh Expedition?

Everyone’s Expedition is slightly different – depending on how long you stay when you go and where. This is an outline of what you can expect from a 10-week Expedition. For a more in-depth description of life on a South Africa Expedition, including camp life and project info, download your sample itinerary.

Arrive at Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport

You will be met by the country team

Induction and training (3-4 days)

Get to know your fellow volunteers and prepare for Expedition life. You’ll receive essential training on topics such as health and safety and cultural awareness.

Community Project (19- 21 days)

Each day you will walk into the adjacent community, working as a team and sometimes alongside members of the community, working on building sustainable food gardens.

Debrief at base camp (2-3 days)

At the end of each phase, everyone returns to the training centre for a few days before moving on to your next project. You’ll catch up with the rest of the Expedition team and start to prepare for your next project. Project groups will change between each phase, this is an important part of the Expedition experience.

Adventure Leadership Project (19 – 21 days)

For this leg of your adventure, you will head to Drakensberg. You will travel together by bus for a day through northern South Africa, skirting around Swaziland and heading towards the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. 

Environmental Project (19 – 21 days)

Take part in physical conservation work in the reserve. The work will be physical, dirty and fun, making a difference to the health of the habitat.

Final review at base (2 days)

All Expeditions end with everyone coming together for a final few days back at the training centre. Catch up with friends and celebrate all you have achieved together.

Departure from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport

Training and support

We have a dedicated team to support you with information and training before and during your Expedition.

ALL Venturer Managers regardless of their role will need a First Aid qualification. Health and Wellbeing Coordinators will need proven experience in using their First Aid certification, for example working with St. John’s Ambulance, as well as a certificate for their Mental Health First Aid Training (or proven experience). Read the full details on first aid requirements.

Whilst some specific experience is required for particular roles, you don’t need specialist skills or knowledge of our projects. We will give you thorough online training beforehand and during your induction when you arrive in your Expedition country.

We will also send you everything you need to know and prepare in advance and share how you can support the personal development of young people on of your Expedition.

“It’s given me a lot more confidence about what to do next, just because you’re retired doesn’t mean you haven’t got those skills and experience.”

Kathy | Venturer Manager

Venturer Manager Dates & Costs

We run three cycles every year during the following times.

2024

Venturer Manager Dates and Costs
CYCLE 1

FEBRUARY - APRIL

12 Weeks

(Project Coordinators)
30th January – 20th April 2024
£2,641$3,200$3,200$3,200

13 Weeks

(all non Project Coordinators roles) 

25th January – 20th April 2024
£2,724$3,300$3,300$3,300

Reserve
CYCLE 2

JUNE - AUGUST

11 Weeks 


(Project Coordinators)
10th June – 24th August 2024
Special Summer offer – £200$200$200$200

12 Weeks

(Project Coordinators)

10th June – 31st August 2024
Special Summer offer – £200$200$200$200

13 Weeks

(all non Project Coordinator roles)
5th June – 31st August 2024
Special Summer offer – £200$200$200$200

Reserve
CYCLE 3

OCTOBER - DECEMBER

12 Weeks


(Project Coordinators)
24th September – 15th December 2024
£2,641$3,200$3,200$3,200

13 Weeks

(all non Project Coordinator roles)
18th September – 15th December 2024
£2,724$3,300$3,200$3,200

Reserve

2025

Volunteer Manager Dates and Costs
CYCLE 1

FEBRUARY - APRIL

12 Weeks

(Project Managers)
28th January – 19th April 2025
£2,641$3,200$3,200$3,200

13 Weeks

(all non Project Manager roles) 

23rd January – 19th April 2024
£2,724$3,300$3,300$3,300

Reserve
CYCLE 2

JUNE - AUGUST

11 Weeks 


(Project Managers)
10th June – 24th August 2025
£2,559$3,100$3,100$3,100

12 Weeks

(Project Managers)

10th June – 31st August 2025
£2,641$3,200$3,200$3,200

13 Weeks

(all non Project Manager roles)
5th June – 31st August 2025
£2,724$3,300$3,300$3,300

Reserve
CYCLE 3

OCTOBER - DECEMBER

12 Weeks


(Project Managers)
27th September – 18th December 2025
£2,641$3,200$3,200$3,200

13 Weeks

(all non Project Manager roles)
22nd September – 18th December 2025
£2,724$3,300$3,200$3,200

Reserve

20% discount for anyone in the services*

If you’re in any of the services (*emergency services, NHS, social sector or the armed forces) then you’re eligible for a 20% discount of the cost of the Expedition. 

You’ll have a call with our team before your application can be accepted, so mention it then and we’ll apply the discount.

20% discount

What’s included

  • Airport welcome and transfers
  • All food, transport and accommodation 
in Expedition country
  • 24-hour support from Expedition country 
office and UK staff
  • Safety expertise
  • Extensive pre-departure information and support
  • Local orientation, project training & equipment
  • Exclusive kit discounts & advice
  • Raleigh t-shirt

Not Included

  • Flights
  • Visas
  • Vaccinations
  • Personal kit
  • Travel insurance

A full breakdown of whats included and not included along with a welcome pack to help you prepare will be provided on application.

How will Raleigh Expedition benefit my personal development?

Through a Raleigh Expedition, you will gain new knowledge and unique experiences. These support University applications and personal statements as well as help develop character and invaluable life skills.

Personal development

  • Leadership
  • Initiative
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Self-awareness
  • Mental resilience
  • Endurance

Professional and educational development

  • Problem solving
  • Committment
  • Communication skills
  • Team working and collaboration
  • Planning

Culture learning

  • Understanding of global issues
  • Cultural understanding
  • Experience and learn different languages

Raleigh volunteers go on to make a difference long after Expedition. 7,625 young people have developed entrepreneurship skills and started more than 2,000 micro-enterprises which give them sustained, safe, fair and dignified work opportunities.

How to apply

We advise Venturer Managers to apply well in advance of Expedition to give you the best chance of getting your first choice of role and country.

Apply online

Complete the online form and upload a copy of your CV / résumé. Please tell us as much as you can about yourself, including relevant skills and experience. Don’t worry if you don’t know which role is right for you – just put ‘undecided’.

APPLY NOW

Assessment Event

If your application form is approved, you will be invited to attend an assessment event. This also gives you the opportunity to hear more about Raleigh Expedition. If successful, you will then be offered a place on one of our Expeditions.

Confirmation

To confirm your place on Expedition, we will ask you for a deposit of £200$200$$ when you receive our offer letter. This will be deducted from your total.

Pre-departure

Prepare for your expedition! Our team will support you and send you everything you need for your Expedition. You will then be invited to your Venturer Manager Training event.

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